Un soir d'hiver, tandis que le Professeur Charles Grimaud se trouve dans un pub avec des amis, un mystérieux inconnu les interrompt et affirme avoir vu des cadavres sortir de leurs tombes et traverser des murs. Quelques jours plus tard, alors qu'il se trouve dans son bureau fermé de l'intérieur en compagnie d'un visiteur, Charles Grimaud se fait tirer dessus. Mais dans la pièce, plus de visiteur, ni d'arme. Sur son lit de mort, il accuse son frère - mais il en a deux ! - et prononce une phrase énigmatique. Hélas, il rend son dernier souffle avant de pouvoir en dire davantage à Gideon Fell, qui se retrouve avec un épais mystère à résoudre... Traduit de l'anglais par Hélène Amalric

Miles Despard, un vieux garçon de cinquante-six ans, a été enterré dans un caveau scellé au milieu de sa propriété, en présence de dizaines de témoins, à Crispen, aux portes de Philadelphie. Mais voilà que des soupçons pèsent sur sa mort. Maladie ou empoisonnement ? Pour couper court aux rumeurs et éviter le scandale, son neveu décide d'exhumer le corps et de pratiquer une autopsie. Le caveau est descellé, le cercueil ouvert et... rien ! Le cadavre a disparu. Peu à peu les langues se délient : la femme du gardien prétend avoir vu, la nuit de la mort de Miles, une femme dans sa chambre, conversant avec lui, puis cette dernière serait sortie de la pièce en traversant le mur. Il semble bien que l'irrationnel soit au coeur de l'affaire... Traduit de l'anglais (États-Unis) par Maurice Bernard Endrèbe

The Detective Stories Library is a rich and engaging collection of classic mysteries by some of the greatest writers of the genre. This illustrated volume brings together brilliant tales of crime, deduction, and suspense, featuring works by masters of the Golden Age of detective fiction such as Dorothy L. Sayers, John Dickson Carr, Ngaio Marsh, John Rhode, and Christianna Brand. Among the highlights are intriguing stories such as The House of the Poplars, Grand Guignol, Boots, The Yellow Sphere, and Shadowed Sunlight, along with many other captivating mysteries. These stories showcase the defining features of classic detective fiction: intricate plots, clever clues, unexpected twists, and memorable investigators who rely on logic and observation to uncover the truth. From locked-room puzzles to psychological suspense, the collection offers a wide range of styles and approaches to crime storytelling. Perfect for both longtime fans and new readers, The Detective Stories Library provides an immersive journey into the world of classic mystery, where every detail matters and every story invites the reader to solve the puzzle alongside the detective. Contents: o Dorothy L. Sayers - The House of the Poplars o John Dickson Carr - Grand Guignol o Ngaio Marsh - Boots o E. C. R. Lorac - Two White Mice Under a Riding Whip o John Rhode - The Yellow Sphere o Anthony Berkeley - Hot Steel o Anthony Gilbert - Thieves Fall In o Christianna Brand - Shadowed Sunlight o J. Jefferson Farjeon - Riddle of an Umbrella o Lynn Brock - Some Little Things o Cyril Hare - The Murder at Warbeck Hall o Christopher Bush - The Hampstead Murder o Joseph Commings - The Scarecrow Murders o Christopher St. John Sprigg - The Case of the Unlucky Airman o Alice Campbell - Signals o Stuart Palmer - The Riddle of the Black Spade o Josephine Bell - A Torch at the Window o G. D. H. & M. Cole - A Present from the Empire o William A. R. Collins - The `Eat More Fruit' Murder o Nicholas Blake - Mr Prendergast and the Orange o Ethel Lina White - And the Answer Was... - Passengers o H. C. Bailey - The Only Husband o Gladys Mitchell - The Case of Bella Garsington o Richard Keverne - The Post-Chaise Murder o Herbert Adams - Too Easy

Vex Not His Ghost by John Dickson Carr is a classic locked-room mystery infused with Carr's signature blend of suspense, intricate plotting, and eerie atmosphere. The story revolves around a seemingly supernatural event-a ghostly presence that haunts a wealthy estate, terrifying its inhabitants and raising questions about reality versus deception. As the plot unfolds, Carr expertly combines elements of psychological tension, misdirection, and detective ingenuity. His protagonist, a keen and analytical investigator, must disentangle a web of secrets, lies, and carefully constructed alibis to uncover the truth behind the haunting. Every character is potentially suspect, and every clue is layered with ambiguity, keeping readers guessing until the final revelation. Vex Not His Ghost explores themes of fear, superstition, and human cunning, showcasing Carr's mastery in creating suspense that balances the rational with the uncanny. With its chilling atmosphere and ingenious resolution, this story is a compelling example of Golden Age detective fiction, appealing to fans of clever mysteries and ghostly intrigue alike.